Expand Your Palate: Three Wine Countries I Recommend

As I've often said, the best way to learn about wine is to taste as much as you can. And you would benefit by expanding your palate, tasting plenty of unfamiliar wines, to experience different grapes and to sample wines from different regions. Don't just drink the same old wines. 

You could easily drink only the wines you know well, but why do that? It won't teach you anything or provide you a new experience. If you don't try different wines, then you might never find some new favorites. Sure, you probably won't like everything new you taste but that shouldn't be an issue. If you dislike a wine, it might help you understand what other wines you will enjoy. It's well worth the risk, to potentially find some delicious, new wines, which you will want to drink and share with others.

I want to direct your attention to the wines of three countries of which you might not be paying sufficient attention. You probably are already familiar with the wines of California, Italy and France, and grapes such as Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. However, how much do you know about the wines of Croatia, Greece and Portugal? How much do you know about grapes like Posip, Xynomavro and Baga? 

In 2024, I strongly recommend you become acquainted with the diverse, fascinating and delicious wines of Croatia, Greece and Portugal! 

Croatia: I've traveled to Croatia twice, having visited the regions of Dalmatia, Istria and Slavonia. I've visited over 30 wineries, and have tasted over 500 Croatian wines. In my compilation post, All About Croatia, you'll find over 85 articles I've written about Croatia and its wines. Specifically, you might want to start with my article, Ten Reasons to Drink Croatian Wines. Croatia produces a wide diversity of wines, including Sparkling, White, Red, Rosé, Amber, Dessert Wines, and more. The country has plenty of indigenous grapes, some not found anywhere else, and the Zinfandel grape (of which you probably already know) actually originated in Croatia. If you find difficulty finding Croatian wines on the shelves of your local wine store, you can order them online at Croatian Premium Wine Imports, which ships to most of the country, and has over 100 selections. 

Portugal: I've also traveled to Portugal twice, and may visit again in 2024. In my compilation post, All About Portuguese Wine & Food, you'll find 100 articles I've written about Portugal and its wines. I'm also a Knight of the Brotherhood of Port Wine and a Certified Wine Location Specialist (which covers Port and Champagne). Portugal produces a wide diversity of wines, including many which the average wine consumer might know about. You might know of Vinho Verde as a light, fruity and slightly effervescent wine. However, do you know about quality, white Vinho Verde that isn't effevescent? Do you know about Red Vinho Verde, which once was the most common wine from that region? You probably know about Ruby and Tawny Ports, as well as Vintage Ports. However, do you know about White Port, or aged White Ports? Do you know about Late Bottled Vintage or Colheita Ports? There is so much more to Portuguese wines than you might expect. In addition, I've also often said that many of the best values in the wine world come from Portugal. Locally, you can seek out wines from distributors such as Brands of Portugal or LGL Imports.

Greece: I have not yet traveled to Greece, but it's on my short list of countries to visit. However, I have tasted numerous Greek wines, attending many tastings and seminars. In my compilation post, All About Greek Wine, Spirits & Food, you find nearly 60 articles I'ver written about Greek wines. Specifically, you might want to start with my article, Ten Reasons to Drink Greek Wine. Greece produces a wide diversity of wines, and have many intriguing and tasty indigenous grapes. You can taste wines made from grapes which extend back over 2000 years, and might have once been enjoyed by ancient Greeks like Socrates and Plato. Locally, Krasi is a Greek restaurant, located in Boston, with the largest Greek wine list in the country. It's a great place to explore Greek wines. There are other excellent Greek restaurants in the area which also have very good Greek wine lists too. 

Expand your palate, and explore the wines of Croatia, Portugal and Greece!